Seeing how surprised and happy Dad was to have all five of us together made the stress and cost of the flight seem trivial and well worth it. I knew from the greeting at the airport between Howie, Philip, Mom, Dad, and Melanie (my cousin) that we were all in for an excellent weekend. As expected, the week revolved around meals and quality family time. Lunches ran until dinner time, and we dwelled at brunches until it was time for lunch. But good company is good company and I really lucked out in seeing aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends from near and far.
I spent my days at home like always… trips to the gym and Harris Teeter. I spent lots of time throwing the tennis ball for Chloe, wrestling with Philip, and finally meeting Howie’s dog, Nacho. Noah and I made interview movie clips about inaccuracies of Sponge Bob; he is, after all, an invertebrate. Elizabeth, Mel and I had cousin slumber parties. Mom, Dad, and I lingered at the dinner table for hours. I even got to see the Barons.
It felt frighteningly normal and totally weird all at the same time to be home; to drive myself around Charlotte and to realize that while on the one hand everyone and everything has moved forward and moved on… not much has changed. Friends who I treasure from childhood came home for the weekend and were graciously patient to see me amidst my family’s hectic schedule and it felt as if we haven’t missed a beat. I’m learning that that’s what true friendship means.Even during all four years of college, I was able to celebrate Dad’s birthday (and mine) with my family because either they drove to Chapel Hill or I jumped home for a weekend. The same when I lived in Charlottesville. I guess I am lucky that it worked out such that even an ocean and a continent or so couldn’t stop us.
The trip home was a treasure and it was painful to say “see you later” to my family all over again. My dad always reminds me that if I didn’t miss our family… it wouldn’t speak very well on there behalf. That said I am really excited to be back in Israel. I am excited to return to my volunteer work, to my below poverty level housing with a stunning view of the Bahai Gardens, and obviously to the beach.
Today, however, has been a bit of a hard day. I know it’s understandable to have them from time to time. Between the incident in Chapel Hill and the shooting in Jerusalem, my stomach muscles just won’t relax. Moments like this make me miss home the most. A lot. As lovely as the people are around me… they are not my parents or siblings. They aren’t my lifetime friends. Yet, anyhow. I know the UNC community is distraught about the loss of Eve Carson, and I wonder what Israel will be like after tonight’s occurrence. On the one hand I feel like Israelis are unfortunately quasi accustomed to happenings like this one, but I think this was more symbolic of a greater picture as tensions in the south have escalated rapidly. I’m going on a run and hope to feel a bit better…
